Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Germany and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly criticised Dele Momodu over comments comparing the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the military regime of Sani Abacha.
In a statement shared on his account on X, Fani-Kayode described Momodu’s remarks as reflecting a “degenerating and worrisome level of cognitive dissonance.”
He added that the media entrepreneur appeared “drained, tired and broken” during the interview.
Momodu’s Controversial Interview
Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the comments during an appearance on Channels Television, where he suggested that Tinubu could be a “potential dictator.”
Reflecting on Tinubu’s political career from his tenure as governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, Momodu argued that the president’s leadership style had long raised concerns.
He added that some observers had begun comparing the current political atmosphere to the era of Abacha’s military rule.
Fani-Kayode’s Rebuttal
Responding, Fani-Kayode said that although he had personal respect for Momodu, he believed the remarks were misguided.
“I love Dele and God knows I have immense respect for him but he sounded drained, tired and broken and spoke little sense yesterday in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV,” he wrote.
He suggested that Momodu should consider taking a break from political commentary.
“May I humbly suggest to him to try and take a break from politics and political commentary for a while, get his breath back and attempt to overhaul his intellectual engine?” he added.
Fani-Kayode also criticised the ADC, describing the party as unprepared for the realities of Nigerian politics.
According to him, the party lacked leadership direction, political strength and a clear strategy for national governance.
He further argued that the growing movement of politicians into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reflected public confidence in the performance of the current administration.
Despite the sharp criticism, Fani-Kayode ended his statement with an appeal to Momodu to reconsider his political alignment.
He urged the veteran journalist to leave the ADC and join the APC, saying he believed Momodu deserved better political company.
“I appeal to my brother Dele: leave the ranks of the forces of darkness and join us. You are far too good for the company you keep,” he said.
